Criteria for the appearance of French marriages, the temperament and health of the dog, care for the coat, ears, teeth, the composition of the diet, walking, raising the dog. Puppy price. French Braque or Braque Francaises are two closely related types of gun dogs (Pyrenean and Gascon) born in France. Both varieties of these canines are very similar in appearance, use and temperament, but the Braque Francais (Pyrenees) are significantly smaller than the Braque Francais (Gascogne) and are also more numerous, especially outside the French lands.
The French Bracke are known to be excellent highland birders who are particularly adept at hunting woodcocks. These breeds are not strictly pointers, they also skillfully scare the game or find it on the trail. Dogs are known to be very trainable and responsive dogs that are said to be "born half trained."
Pyrenean marriage is also known as: Braque Francais de Petite Taille, Small French Pointer, French Pointer (Pyrenees), French Pointer (Pyrenean), and Pyrenean French Pointer. Gascon is known as: Braque Francais de Grand Taille, Large French Pointer, French Pointer (Gascony), French Pointer (Gascon), and the Gascon French Pointer.
Criteria for the appearance of French marriages of the Pyrenean and Gascon types
French marriages of the Pyrenean and Gascon types are very similar in appearance, but differ in a few minor differences. In general, these breeds closely resemble the German Shorthaired Pointers, which are often mistaken for the Gascony variety. The main difference between the two breeds is their size.
Braque Francais (Gascogne) is a large animal. Males usually stand between 58, 42 and 68.58 centimeters high at the withers, while females usually stand between 58, 88 and 66.04 centimeters. Although weight is largely dependent on their height, most members of the breed weigh between 20.42 and 36.29 kilograms. Braque Francais (Pyrenees) are medium sized dogs. Males usually stand from 45, 72 to 58, 42 centimeters in height at the withers, and females usually stand from 45, 72 to 55, 88 centimeters. The average Pyrenean type weighs 15.58 to 24.95 kilograms.
- Head very refined in appearance and proportional to the size of the case. The head of the Gascon type is usually somewhat narrower than that of the Iberian. The occipital part is practically not manifested. There is a small frontal groove.
- Muzzle - slightly shorter than the skull, but very wide, gives the illusion that it is square, especially among the Gascons. The head and muzzle are connected to each other mostly smoothly, but remain quite distinct. The lips of the Gascogne are slightly pendulum, while the lips of the Pyrenees are usually tight-fitting.
- Nose - wide, slightly upward, brown in color.
- Eyes these breeds are chestnut or dark yellow. Set harmoniously, large enough, good-natured and intelligent expression.
- Ears both types are long, tucked on the sides of the head and slightly rounded, although the Gascogne is slightly larger in body size than the Pyrenees.
- Neck - strong, muscular, beautifully curved, harmonious in length.
- Frame of all French brutes is very lean and muscular. These dogs seem to be incredible athletes. One of the few differences between the two breeds is the belly. Both types tend to have flat bellies, but in the Pyrenees it is a little more tucked up.
- Tail such dogs are traditionally docked according to the standard up to several centimeters in length. However, this procedure is out of practice and is actually prohibited in some European countries. The natural tail of the Braque Francais is of medium length or, naturally, short, which is not essential.
- Front limbs rather long and strong. Hind legs - with muscular, prominent thighs.
- Paws - well assembled, oval.
- Leather is one of the few differences between the two. The Gascons have relatively loose skin, while the Pyrenees are covered in tight skin.
- Coat Gascogne is dense and well-fitting, with thinner hairs around the ears and head. The Pyrenees 'coat' is short, soft and shiny.
- Coloration - the two breeds show slight differences. Both varieties are available in two color combinations and patterns. Some of the breed are chestnut brown, others are white and chestnut. Animals can be any amount of white or brown in markings of any size and shape. White color is presented either as a pure shade, or with brown spots or specks. In practice, most breed specimens are brown and white, with thickened specks or solid brown markings on their heads.
Some members of the breed are born with alternating colors. Such dogs are punished in the show ring and should not be bred, but otherwise they are identical to other members of the breed in terms of performance and suitability as a companion.
Temperament of French marriages
Both Braque Francais breeds are known to be affectionate and loving human companions and highly skilled bird hunters. These canines are definitely human-oriented. Representatives of the species are very loyal to their families, extremely affectionate and often even shy. Pets want to be in the constant company of their loved ones and can develop severe separation anxiety. When well trained and socialized, most of these dogs are very enjoyable with children and many become incredibly attached to them. This is not a dog that necessarily knows to be gentle with young children, however some members of the breed can play a little rough with babies, so they need to be supervised.
With training and socialization, most members of the breed are very tolerant of strangers, and many tend to welcome them in a friendly manner. Shyness and nervousness can be a problem in some individuals, although direct aggression is extremely rare. These canines make very poor guard dogs, as most of them are more likely to warmly greet strangers and follow them, but never show aggressive behavior.
French bracches were bred to be skilled hunting dogs. But, they were bred to track, scare and serve the game, not kill it. As a result, most of these dogs are forced to chase other creatures, especially birds, but most of them will not be aggressive towards other animals when properly trained. When socialized, most breed members do not develop serious problems with other dogs, but caution is always advised when introducing new dogs to existing ones.
Health features of French marriages
The non-extensive health research of Braque Francais (Pyrenees, Gascogne) makes it impossible to draw any definitive conclusions about this area. Most fans of the breed seem to think that these pets are in fairly good condition. Both varieties (Pyrenean and Gascon) were withdrawn almost exclusively for performance reasons. Therefore, any health defects that would impair the ability to work would be quickly eliminated from the breeding gene pool by culling.
The breed has also benefited from its lack of popularity, which means that it has not been subjected to commercial breeding practices in backyards by dishonest breeders. Of course, this does not mean that Braque Francais are immune to genetically inherited diseases, but it does indicate that breeds have lower disease rates and less tendency to suffer from inherited defects than most modern canine species. Very few American and Canadian breeders seem to indicate that pets have joint problems such as Patella (dislocated patella) and are the most common, albeit relatively rare.
Based on the fact that skeletal problems and other visual imperfections affect closely related species, those who own such dogs should routinely undergo various tests in special orthopedic and other organizations for animals. This allows you to identify potential hereditary health defects, before they make themselves felt. This practice allows them to be detected even before they appear in adulthood and to reject potential carriers of diseases from selective breeding, which will ensure the purity of future generations.
Possible diseases that can be found in the breed are: hip dysplasia, patella, cataract, entropion, retinal atrophy (PRA), pannus (damage to the cornea of the eyes), skin demodicosis, cleft lip or palate, irritation syndrome (Acral), aortic stenosis.
Requirements for the maintenance and care of French marriages
- Wool both types of Braque Francais (Pyrenees, Gascogne) have very low maintenance requirements. They do not need a professional one, but only regular combing. Breed representatives change their "coat" twice a year, and it is believed that they do not shed very abundantly. Some breeders believe that the Gascony sheds a little more than the Pyrenees, judging by the loss of hair and the fact that it is larger, but this is most likely on an individual basis, but not usually. The process of combing out such a pet is simple. The owner needs to purchase a rubber mitten or brush with thick natural bristles. During the period of changing the coat, the manipulation is carried out every day. It is advisable to do this outdoors in order to avoid unnecessary cleaning in the house, because the hair will crumble to the floor. In order for the wool to have a beautiful shine, at the end it must be wiped with a piece of natural suede. It is not necessary to bathe such pets often and the main thing is not to overdo it with cosmetics. It is important not only to choose them correctly, but also to dilute them with water in the correct proportion before use. For ease of application, the agent is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the animal's fur. Also, all detergents should be completely rinsed off the skin and scalp so as not to cause dermatological problems. Drying with a hair dryer French marriages do not need, they just need to be dried with a towel.
- Teeth dogs need to be cleaned every two to three days. To do this, you need to choose the most suitable paste and brush for animals. With the constant performance of the procedure, there will be no calculus on the teeth, there will be no inflammation on the gums and a bad smell from the mouth.
- Ears these rocks require systematic sulfur removal procedures as they have a closed, hanging shape. Hygiene will help prevent inflammation and infection. Animal prophylaxis will make cleaning easier, soften earwax and provide skin care.
- Eyes Owners should check French marriages after the hunt, because the dogs can accidentally hurt themselves or simply cover the mucous earth. All injuries require immediate veterinary treatment. Simple contamination or irritation is eliminated by rubbing the eyes of a four-legged friend with therapeutic and prophylactic drugs.
- Claws grind off naturally if a four-legged friend is given the opportunity to be active. Minimal physical activity contributes to the rapid regrowth of the horny plate, which must be shortened with claws or cut with a file.
- Feeding every French marriage requires an individual approach. Working dogs generally need to eat more nutritious and strenuous meals than companion dogs. Both need a balanced composition of food, as well as vitamins and minerals. Only their daily portion is different. It is clear that a hunting pet should receive an increased rate and additional prophylactic supplements, for example, chondroprotectors and Omega-3 to restore overloaded ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Professional feeds were prepared by specialists who selected the balance of substances, vitamins and minerals, and some also contain chondroprotectors.
- Walking. French Marques are a very energetic and manageable breed. This implies that such pets need to be loaded with a significant amount of daily exercise. These pets require forty-five minutes to an hour of intense daily stress. They can be great running companions. Dogs are also very fond of frolic on large tracts of land. Dogs must be provided with an adequate outlet for their energy. Otherwise, they will behave in an unpleasant way for the owner. For example, chewing on furniture and shoes, being too active and too mobile, and constantly barking loudly.
With this in mind, Braque Francais tend to be laid-back family companions, but only after they get the proper amount of exercise. They will never laze on the couch for hours. French marriages will be difficult to keep in an apartment due to their needs, but in principle, these are suburban pets. The breed has a well-deserved reputation in France, which is ideal for casual hunters who have the opportunity to hunt once or twice a month and just want to love and communicate with the pet the rest of the time.
Raising French marriages
These breeds are natural bird hunters. They say that French marriages are born half trained, which is why they hunt so easily. These dogs easily complete the assigned tasks and seem to like it very much. Many breeders say these are the best breeds for a first-time owner because they become obedient companions so easily.
In general, Braque Francais are considered to be very capable of learning. These animals want to please and usually train quickly and willingly because of this. Experienced owners of such gun dogs should be aware that these breeds are sensitive to behavior correction. The training methods required for breeds such as German Shorthaired Pointers and Brittanies often make French Brackes very nervous. These dogs respond better to calm training methods that are reinforced with encouragement.
These breeds are considered one of the least dominant of all canines of this type and respond very well even to inexperienced owners. Although the Braque Francais is almost exclusively used as a hunting dog, it is believed that they will be highly qualified competitors in most canine competitions.
Cost of French marriages
Potential owners looking for a pet that will go on any trip or weekend of adventure with them, no matter how extreme they are, will not be mistaken in choosing a French marriage. In addition, these dogs will be quite satisfied with the daily short bike ride or jogging on weekdays, which gives them additional benefits.
The price for a puppy is from $ 1200 to $ 1500.
